Utah Juvenile Court Act Definitions

The Utah Juvenile Court Act provides for the juvenile court to have exclusive, original jurisdiction in cases involving a child under the age of 18 who has violated local, state or federal laws or local municipal ordinances. If you have a child who is part of the juvenile justice system, it can be helpful to know what different terms you might hear mean. To keep issues from being overwhelming or confusing, it’s always a good idea to consult with a Utah juvenile defense attorney as well.

Juvenile Court Act Definitions

Adjudication: a finding by the court and put into a decree, that the facts alleged in a petition (provided by the prosecution) have been proved

Child: a person under the age of 18

Court: refers specifically to the juvenile court

Detention: includes both home and secure detention for the temporary care of a minor who requires secure custody in a physically restricting facility pending court disposition, transfer to another jurisdiction or while under the jurisdiction of the court

Formal referral: a written report from a peace officer or other person telling the court that a minor is or seems to be within the court’s jurisdiction and that a petition may be filed

Group rehabilitation therapy: psychological and social counseling of one or more people in a group—depending on a therapist’s recommendation

Intellectual disability: intellectual functioning that is considerably subaverage, including an IQ that is 70 or lower

Non-judicial adjustment: when a case is closed by an assigned probation officer without judicial determination upon written consent of said probation officer, the minor or the minor and his legal guardian

Not competent to proceed: a minor who has a mental disorder, intellectual disability or other condition who doesn’t have the ability to understand what’s happening to him or cannot rationally understand and participate in the legal proceedings he’s involved in

Probation: a legal status created by the court following an adjudication where the minor is allowed to stay in his home under certain restrictions while being supervised by a court agency. If the probation is violated, the minor would be required to return to court.

Secure facility: any facility providing 24-hour supervision and confinement for youth offenders. These facilities must be administered by or contracted with the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.

Hopefully these definitions will help you better understand what is often considered legal jargon by the average person. Don’t hesitate to ask your Utah juvenile defense attorney any questions you have about your child’s case.